1 goal, 6 recoveries, 4 duels, 1 key pass: Amorim favourite delivers game-changing display for United in 2-1 win over Palace

Mason Mount produced the decisive moment for Manchester United as Ruben Amorim’s side secured a much-needed 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon. A Hard-Fought Three Points The Red Devils travelled to south London for a crucial clash in the Premier League, fresh from a dreadful 1-0 defeat against Everton on Monday night. The performance, as much as the result, had thrown the club back into a state of despair after a five-game unbeaten streak had lifted the mood around Old Trafford. And this looked set to continue after a disappointing first-half against Oliver Glasner’s rampant Palace side, one of the only other teams in the division to also play Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. It was the Eagles who were coming out on top of this battle of the back threes, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty, after a needless challenge by Leny Yoro, putting the opposition 1-0 up. United battled back in the second half, however, with a much-improved display – and two back-to-back set-piece goals turned the game on its head, with Joshua Zirkzee drawing his side level and Mount putting the Red Devils 2-1 up in the space of nine minutes. Palace tried to ramp up the pressure as the final whistle approached. But United were resilient and able to hold on for a priceless three points – with Mount’s goal proving the decisive moment in the game. Magic Mase Mount, like the rest of United’s attack in the first half, was quiet going forward, outside of a few nice moments of link-up play. But the 26-year-old midfielder is always excellent out of possession, diligently tracking back and helping initiate the press. It’s this work rate and tactical intelligence which had made him a favourite of every manager who he players under, whether it’s Amorim, Thomas Tuchel or Gareth Southgate. In the second half, Mount’s attacking threat improved to match his defensive output, helping effectively knit play with well-timed passes and nice dribbles. But it was his superb strike from the edge of the Palace box, courtesy of an early lay off from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick – which took the Eagles by surprise – that proved his most telling contribution. Outside of the match-winning goal, Mount made six recoveries with one clearance and one tackle, while completing four successful duels. This was balanced by 51 touches of the ball with 30 of 38 successful passes, one of which was key, and two dribbles. Mason Mount Statistics vs Crystal Palace MetricValue Minutes90 Goals1 Assists0 Passes 30/38 (79%) Touches51 Tackles1 Duels (Successful)7 (4) Recoveries6 Clearances1 It was the type of all-action performance that makes Amorim love the former Chelsea star, with United’s head coach describing him as “really smart” and “intense” in the build up to the match. And if Amorim was smitten with Mount before today’s win over Palace, the Portuguese coach will be overwhelmed with love in the dressing at Selhurst Park this afternoon. All statistics via Sofa Score Featured image JWarren Little via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.